Abdirashid Duale, CEO of Dahabshiil Group, announced that Dahabshiil Money Transfer (DMT) and all its affiliates and associate companies all over the world will waive commission on drought-related remittances to help ease the flow of relief to drought-affected areas.
Mr. Duale made the announcement over the British Broadcasting Corporation’s (BBC) Somali service section on Friday.
Mr. Duale revealed that Dahabshiil has already spent over a million US Dollars in various forms on drought relief efforts and that it has set aside a further donation of US Dollars 300 thousand to contribute to drought response activities in the regions of Hiiraan, Bay, Bakool and Gedo.
“We call on all Somalis in both their individual and business capacities to contribute towards the on-going drought-response effort wherever possible,” he stated.
Mr. Duale, heading the largest single Somali-owned corporation spanning over banking, remittances, telecommunication and general trading, pointed out that the Somali drought is fast turning into a famine of alarming proportions.
“The drought has reached a stage where our combined efforts is of paramount urgency,” the CEO said.
Dahabshiil offices and partners can be found in over 126 countries worldwide.
Dahabshiil has, over the years, become a byname in its dedication to corporate social responsibilities giving a helping hand in programs ranging from education, health, infrastructure to peace-building efforts.
On the other hand, the CEO’s call coincided with a similar appeal the newly-appointed Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somaliland, Hassan Khairre, made a touching appeal on behalf of the affected Somali pastoralists.
“How we Somalis handle the drought response will define who we are, what we stand for,” the PM said.
The Prime Minister publicly announced, speaking to “Brother Succour” Program of the Somalia National TV, that Dahabshiil pledged US$300 000 towards the drought relief effort.
Addressing Sheikh Nour Barud, Chairman of the Somalia Drought Committee, taking part in the same program with the PM, Mr. Khairre said “Dahabshiil will hand over the pledged to to the DR Committee”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltg6UNyECdw
